Some ingredients in creams are prohibited during pregnancy due to endocrine disruption, among other things… What are they?
There are different ingredients of skin creams that are prohibited during pregnancy. That is due to the skin surface susceptibility to irritation and hyperpigmentation during this period. Moreover, some of these substances can be absorbed by the body and therefore also reach the baby.
Why are some cream ingredients to be avoided during pregnancy?
During pregnancy, the skin undergoes changes due to high levels of hormones in the body. Some of them, according to theAmerican College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, are the following :
- Acne.
- Melasma (localized hyperpigmentation).
- Xerosis.
- Telangiectasias.
In addition to the changes caused to the skin, nails and hair are also influenced to varying degrees by hormonal changes.
Also read: 10 curiosities about the skin during pregnancy
What are the cream products to avoid during pregnancy?
Some skin care products contain ingredients whoseuse is not recommended due to their easy absorption and because they may cause undesirable effects. The Food and Drug Administration demands that skin care and hygiene products be safe for their purpose. But do not require approval to be sold.
1. Essential oils
Essential oils can quickly penetrate the skin through the lipid structures and interact with cell membrane proteins to induce certain modifications.
Also read: Safe cosmetics during pregnancy for skin and hair
2. Retinol or vitamin A
Some of the products used for skincare and hygiene routines have a variant of retinol called retinoids. Products available over the counter have low levels in their composition. While those prescribed by a specialist contain higher concentrations.
The role of topical retinoids is still controversial in published cases of embryopathy, so their use at the gestational stage is not recommended.
3. Caffeine
Creams intended to reduce the appearance of cellulite contain a high concentration of caffeine in their components. In effect, it is one of the most widely used active ingredients for its lipolytic action to burn fat.
However, it is contraindicated during pregnancy due to its ability to cross the placenta and pass into breast milk during breastfeeding. The ideal is to avoid the active in all its presentations, as well as skin patches.
4. Salicylic Acid
This type of acid is very useful in acne photos thanks to its anti-inflammatory properties. However, products that contain it in their composition in high concentrations should be avoided during pregnancy.
Salicylic acid can be absorbed systemically. Its use during lactation and pregnancy is therefore not advisable. due to little information regarding its safety.
5. Glycolic Acid
Glycolic acid is one of the most widely used alpha hydroxy acids in cosmetics and peels to treat acne. Although it usually does not have great absorption and adverse effects, its use is not recommended during pregnancy due to the sensitivity of the skin and the predisposition to hyperpigmented lesions.
6. Hydroquinone
Hydroquinone is used as a topical depigmenting agent in pathologies such as melasma. Although there is no evidence showing malformations or adverse effects in the baby, it is recommended to minimize exposure to this product due to its high absorption capacity.
7. Parabens, cream ingredients to avoid during pregnancy
Parabens are useful as artificial preservatives in cosmetics and skin and body care products. That is, they are added to prevent and reduce the growth of harmful mold or bacteria.
Nevertheless, they are linked to endocrine disruption and male and female reproductive damage. Furthermore, the skin may become sensitive to products containing parabens, causing irritation.
8. Phthalates
Phthalates are chemicals that make up some beauty products that disrupt the endocrine system. These disruptors play an important role in the negative alteration of congenital reproductive health.
9. Chemical filters
Sunscreens are used to protect the skin from ultraviolet rays and to treat or prevent melasma. However, oxybenzone and its derivatives, which are the most used filters in these products, could be harmful and cause alterations.
10. Trichloroacetic acid
Trichloroacetic acid (TCA) removes dead skin cells then stimulates the growth of new cells on the surface of the skin. Therefore, exfoliations are performed using different combinations and concentrations of acids.
Deep peels should be avoided in pregnant women. Due to skin sensitivity and vulnerability to developing hyperpigmentation.
Ingredients in creams prohibited during pregnancy
Finally, pregnancy is a state of women in which hormonal alteration causes changes in different organs of the body. In this sense, the skin is not exempt from it. In effect, she becomes more irritable and sensitive, with a greater predisposition to acne. Therefore, it is very important to take care of the skin at this stage and then to know how to choose the most suitable product.